We know that Lakeland has no shortage of places to swim, but sometimes a change of scenery is in order when you're looking to cool down. Good thing Florida is home to the world's largest concentration of natural springs. Check out these destinations less than three hours from Lakeland the next time you want to get your feet wet.

Make sure to get to the park early so you can snag a spot for swimming before the spring reaches capacity. | Photo via Hillsborough County Government

📍 Lithia Springs Conservation Park | 45 minutes away

Swimming at this natural spring is broken up into two four-hour time slots with a maximum capacity of 200 swimmers.

If you're heading to Wekiwa Springs, don't forget your floaties — they're welcome in the swimming area. | Photo by Florida State Parks

📍 Wekiwa Springs State Park | 1.5 hours away

Lauded as Orange County's longest-running tourist attraction, the emerald-hued waters of Wekiwa Springs make an idyllic setting for taking a dip. If you'd rather stay dry, there are plenty of hiking trails available, too.

Ever wanted to see a real-life mermaid? Weeki Wachee Springs can make that happen. | Photo by Florida State Parks.

📍 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park | 1.5 hours away

If adventure is what you're after, Weeki Wachee has you covered. Take in a mermaid show, kayak down the river, or make a splash in Buccaneer Bay Water Park. Fun fact: It's also home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the US.

Do you feel your shoulders loosening looking at those crystal waters? We certainly do. | Photo by US Forest Service

📍 Ocala National Forest | 1 hour 45 minutes away

This spot boasts more than 600 lakes and rivers across its property, including several natural springs where you can swim, fish, snorkel, and boat.

Floating down Rainbow River is totally tubular experience. | Photo by Kossina Creative via Florida State Parks

📍 Rainbow Springs State Park | 2 hours away

Grab your snorkeling gear and dive in to find wildlife in the crystal clear waters of the headspring, or enjoy a tube ride down Rainbow River.

Fueling up with pancakes after a long day of swimming? We're in. | Photo by Florida State Parks

📍 De Leon Springs State Park | 2 hours away

Not only does this state park offer natural springs + historic boat tours, but you can also make your own pancakes at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House.